University Don Slams Otti Over ASOPADEC, ABSIEC, says Grassroots Democracy at Risk in Abia

A respected academic and governance analyst, Prof. Eni Kalu, has expressed concern over what he described as an increasingly autocratic style of governance by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, alleging a growing disregard for state laws and institutional frameworks.

Speaking in Umuahia on Monday, Prof. Kalu said the current administration appears to be running key state institutions as a one-man operation, contrary to the provisions of their enabling laws. He warned that such an approach weakens democratic governance and undermines public accountability.

The professor specifically faulted the continued operation of ASOPADEC without the statutory board structure provided by law. According to him, the agency, which is meant to represent and develop oil-producing communities, has been run by a sole General Manager since the assumption of office, a situation he described as illegal and institutionally dangerous.

Prof. Kalu also criticised the conduct of local government elections by ABSIEC, noting that the abandonment of state-recognized wards in favour of INEC ward structures has resulted in the exclusion of some communities from local governance.

“Abandoning ABSIEC wards amounts to denying the grassroots the dividends of democracy. Democracy must begin from the local level, and when communities are left out, governance becomes disconnected from the people,” he said.

He further alleged that the administration shows intolerance to criticism, adding that constructive dissent is a cornerstone of democratic leadership and should not be mistaken for opposition hostility.

According to Prof. Kalu, reform cannot be built on the neglect of existing laws, stressing that no governor has the authority to suspend or selectively apply statutes enacted by the state legislature.

He called on the Abia State Government to immediately realign its actions with the law, constitute statutory boards where required, and ensure inclusive local governance in order to restore confidence in democratic institutions.